Hochiki’s Ekho detection system “transforms fire safety in the desert”

Billed as something of a haven for those seeking a truly authentic desert adventure combined with world-class hospitality, Outpost Al Barari is a place where guests can “disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature”.

Whilst guests are enshrined in luxury, the surrounding harsh desert climate can cause significant shifts in sand dunes, potentially affecting the layout of the resort. It’s for this reason that temporary structures are used to minimise the impact on the surrounding natural environment.

However, this set-up presents a formidable challenge for traditional fire alarm systems. In tackling this issue, the resort’s management team sought the expertise of fire systems installer Fire Cloud Qatar.

A fire alarm system was urgently needed that could be rapidly deployed without extensive cabling, withstand the harsh desert environment and adapt to Outpost Al Barari’s changing layout. Traditional wired systems were deemed unsuitable.

Fire Cloud Qatar recommended Hochiki’s Ekho hybrid wireless fire alarm system. Its advanced wireless technology affords the necessary flexibility, reliability and ease of installation.

Key features

Key features of Ekho include a self-configuring mesh network, which enables “seamless” communication between the fire control panel and all of the wireless field devices. Physical cable is not necessary. This allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration to match the location’s complex and changing layout.

The wireless nature of the devices expedited installation, thereby minimising disruption to hotel operations. Indeed, the completed system was up-and-running in just four simple steps.

Fire Cloud Qatar conducted a thorough site survey using Ekho’s Survey Kit to determine optimal placement of the wireless fire detection devices and control units in relation to radio signal strength. Ekho’s flexibility allowed for strategic deployment to ensure comprehensive coverage.

The Ekho wireless devices were swiftly installed by Fire Cloud Qatar’s skilled technicians, with the absence of cabling significantly simplifying and accelerating the process.

System configuration

Fire Cloud Qatar then meticulously configured the system to ensure optimal performance and communication within the wireless mesh network. Rigorous testing validated the system’s reliability and responsiveness.

Finally, Fire Cloud Qatar provided comprehensive training on the Hochiki system for in-house personnel at the resort covering system operation, emergency procedures and maintenance. The system was then handed over to the management team with the delivery of ongoing support from Fire Cloud Qatar.

*Further information is available online at www.hochikieurope.com